Eric Pardinho

Even though Pardinho, a Brazilian righty, was the consensus top international pitching prospect to sign on July 2, 2017, his size (5-foot-10, 155 pounds) understandably elicited skepticism. Those concerns were largely washed away with his dominant pro debut as a 17-year-old in the Appalachian League. The youngest pitcher in the league, Pardinho ranked third in K-BB% (23.7), third in WHIP (1.06) and fourth in FIP (3.75). He was almost four years younger than the average hitter he faced, but his elite command, quality four-pitch mix and advanced pitchability overwhelmed the former college hitters who populate that circuit. Pardinho can hit 96 with his fastball, but it typically sits in the low-90s. His curveball and slider already flash plus and his changeup is progressing. If he were 6-foot-4, Pardinho would be the trendiest pitching prospect in the lower levels. Size is less important, however, when a pitcher has his combination of stuff and command.